Sally of Monticello: Founding Mother the story continues...

79Nancy West was remarkable. She gave birth at fifty years of age,and she was able to nurse her newborn, Agnes.We sat in her open carriage at a respectable distance from othersawaiting the cornerstone laying for the first building of CentralCollege, formerly Albemarle Academy. It was a chilly 6th of October,1817.My nine-year-old Eston walked Nancy’s three-year-old JuliaAnn in the grass nearby. I had asked him to avoid the red earth scrapedraw for construction.President James Monroe was here today. This was his land.My Thomas and Mr. Madison were also here, so this gatheringof three Presidents was probably a stronger attraction than theceremony itself. There was to be some fluff involving the Freemasons.Otherwise it would be a solemn occasion.Nancy pointed to twine strung between stakes for dimensions ofwhat will be Pavilion Seven of Thomas’s plan for the college. “That’stwine from the Isaacs store, you know. We’d be a problem up closer,but funny how some string can help me feel a part of all this.”I shook my head. “Small comfort. At least no one’s running usoff. I hope you realize, without backing by you and David and otherCharlottesville merchants, this might not be happening.”“Oh, I’m not so sure. Mr. Jefferson seems so driven to start auniversity that he’d defy a biblical flood. We’re just giving support.Good for the town, good for Virginia.”“It’s Thomas’s obsession, and he has tricks up his sleeve I wish Icould disclose. You’ll hear soon enough.”Nancy said, raising her eyebrows and looking away, “A pitynone of my children can attend the university when it’s completed.”“Nor mine, though their father is chief founder. I hope whenBeverly and Harriet go free, they’ll pass for white and enter auniversity up north. He likes science and music. Harriet leans tofabrics and could design clothing.”Nancy rewrapped Agnes against a sudden brisk breeze. “Eventhough mine are freeborn, there’s no hiding skin tone. It’ll block theirschooling.” She grew pensive, staring at the cloudy sky, lips firm.Tears formed in the corners of her eyes.I said, “Thomas’s notions about education generally includeopportunities for Negroes. But his ideas aren’t so well formed as to sayhow schooling might specifically include our children. I’m guessing inseparate facilities.”Nancy shuddered, seeming impatient. “Let’s summon DavyBowles to drive. I see him sitting on that tree stump.” She sighed, thengave me a pleading look. “I’ve lost interest in this cornerstonefolderol. Can we just go to my house for tea?”I understood, also tired of the hypocrisy. I signaled Eston tobring Julia Ann and called to Davy. If Thomas was going to speak, noone past the first or second row would hear him anyway. He was theworst public speaker on two continents.At Nancy’s house, I asked, “Does your David still live alone byhis store?”“We’ve talked about my giving up this place and living together,but we’re not sure how to get around the law.”I didn’t want to press Nancy, but I had to know. “You saidthere’s acceptance in Charlottesville. Has something changed?”“Oh yes, Sally, something’s changed.” Her tone was bitter. “Ourbusiness success has made others envious.”I sipped tea and pondered that. “But you’ve earned yoursuccess.”“Doesn’t matter. We have to avoid the perception of a pushyJew teamed with a doesn’t-know-her-place nigger. Could bring realtrouble.”I swallowed hard on that one. “Has anyone said such a thing?”“Only whispers—so far.”“Oh, Nancy. I thought this community was forward-looking.”“I guess there are limits. We’re beginning to learn what theyare.”Nancy’s business acumen was well known. While she and DavidIsaacs have accumulated property and wealth, they’ve lived modestlyand separately to ward off a community reaction.But one never knew what might stir a storm.